Note: This post about another transit agency’s line rail line is building towards a post specifically on the SacRT Green Line.

In 2019, VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) discontinued a light rail line, called the Almaden Shuttle or Ohlone/Chynoweth–Almaden line or Purple Line. This was a short line serving two stations in south San Jose area. I (Dan) used the line a couple of times on my way to hikes on the Bay Area Ridge Trail, but had to also take a bus to get to my final destination. The area served is a low density suburb. One station served a mall, but not a major mall. The terminal station was in a very low density area with undeveloped (but not developing) land in close proximity. The same stations and area were also served by bus route 13.

The line opened in 1991, at the same time as VTA’s original light rail system, so had a long history of about 28 years. The line always had low ridership. It was proposed for cancelation several times, but was not canceled until 2019. Though there were ideas to extend the line south, further into Almaden Valley, that area is even lower density than the area served. VTA decided that the stations and area beyond would be better served by a bus line. It is now served by bus routes 64 and 83.

We have been unable to determine whether the line was abandoned and allowed to deteriorate, or was moth-balled for future use. It has been pointed out by SacRT staff that if a light rail segment is discontinued but intended for future re-opening, it is necessary to continue inspection and maintenance, though on less frequent basis. If neglected, it would cost of lot of money to re-start.

The Purple Line and Green Line have similarities and differences. The Purple Line always had poor ridership. It served low density areas that will densify only very slowly, if ever. The Green Line has always had poor ridership. It serves largely undeveloped land, but in an area that is developing with density. Both are branches off much longer and more successful light rail lines. The Purple Line was operated as a separate line, with its own light rail cars, and was not a line that split off the main line by alternating destinations. Same for the Green Line. A new Green Line station, in the Railyards, is being constructed at this time.

The map below (from Wikipedia) shows the line, but not the intermediate Oakridge station nor the terminal Almaden station, nor does it show density or destinations. It does, however, show that San Jose is a place of freeways and large arterials, with transit an afterthought.

• SacRT